The proper garden party was always held entirely in the open air.  It was usual to have a tent pitched where the refreshments were served — consisting of tea and coffee, bread and butter and biscuits, cake, sandwiches, fruit, claret-cup and lemonade, and of course the ices.  Sometimes, however, when the event was not a very large affair, the tent was dispensed with, and the refreshments were placed in the dining room.